A mom who wandered into the jungle of life made HowToTrip’s “Garage Toast” an unexpected hit

Intern Reporter Cai... (Taipei Report)

On the alley behind Shih Hsin University, several eateries stand side by side. This is Shiyuan Road—a place rarely frequented by anyone other than students and residents. However,the newborn on the block—“Garage Toast”—opened in May and attracted a constant stream of students even within its first month. The humble owner, Wu Shuyi, said, “It was beyond our expectations, but we’re truly grateful.”

Wu Shuyi chose to open her shop on Shiyuan Road, perhaps for a reason different from most businesses near schools. It wasn’t to target students, nor was it due to convenience. She simply wanted a high-ceilinged space to fulfill her dream of running a shop. By chance, she found a storefront next to a garage on Shiyuan Road, hence the name “Garage Toast.”

▲ Less than a month after opening, students crowd Garage Toast. (Photo / Intern Reporter Cai...)

Two years ago, Wu Shuyi was a housewife, taking care of her children’s daily needs. When her kids started elementary school, she wanted to fill her days with something meaningful, so she began working at a breakfast shop. That’s where her passion for cooking was sparked, leading her to decide to open a shop of her own dreams before turning 40.

The interior design wasn’t outsourced—Wu and her friends came up with the ideas and decorated the space together, creating a bright, cozy wooden environment: bar seating, an open kitchen, and even a dead tree placed in the corner to make the most of the high ceiling... The welcoming atmosphere quickly drew in students.

▲ The wooden bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the corner dead tree add a fresh vibe to the dining experience at Garage Toast. (Photo / Intern Reporter Cai...)

In less than a month since opening, Wu Shuyi was busy from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. almost every day, with no time to spare except for bathroom breaks. What she originally envisioned as a laid-back, elegant, slow-paced atmosphere turned out to be a whirlwind, with students pouring in and turning her into a non-stop “mom on duty” making meals all day. She joked,
“I felt like a rabbit that wandered into the jungle.”But even though the pace wasn’t what she imagined, the popularity made her heart full of gratitude.

The shop servesAmerican-style burgers, bagels, paninisand other dishes. There are no more than six flavors in each major category, keeping the menu simple, which also means each item gets ordered frequently. As a mother of two, Wu insists thatthe ingredients she serves are ones she would also serve her own kids. For example, she uses free-range eggs—even though they cost more, she feels at ease and happy serving them.

▲ The smoked chicken panini, with simple ingredients and a moderate size, is a big hit among students. (Photo / Intern Reporter Cai...)

Wu said that because the shop is so busy and exhausting, ten part-timers quit within the first 20 days of business. Sometimes, she’s the only one managing both front and back of house. Despite the frustration and helplessness, she remains committed to“one order, one meal”—she’d rather ask students who can’t wait to come back later than rush and serve subpar food.

Rather than calling “Garage Toast” just another new American diner, it’s more like an evolving “Mom’s Restaurant”—while passionately pursuing her dream, she also serves her customers with love.

% The working staff here don’t use filters when serving food, which is especially evident in how hard they work. (Intern Reporter, ... )Garage Toast fan page)